Whether your grad is leaving high school or university, you’ll want to reward all those years of effort with something special. Here are several gift suggestions, from the practical to the exotic, designed to stimulate your grad’s interest in Chinese cuisine and culture.
1. 14" Flat Bottom Wok Set - Carbon Steel
From Joyce Chen, a good starter set that comes with a lid and a bamboo spatula.
2. Zojiruishi Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
A rice cooker will come in very handy for the high school graduate facing four years of university on a tight budget. Not only is rice an inexpensive source of protein, but a rice cooker can be kept in most dorms. This model by Zojirushi includes settings for sushi, white rice, brown rice and porridge, as well as a setting for reheating rice. Comes with a recipe booklet.3. Travel the Silk Road
What better way to reward all that hard work than with a tour of China’s historic sites? Pilgrim Tours has a number of tour packages. Grads can follow the Yangtze River, embark on a "Fragrant Fields of China" tour that includes a visit to the Great Wall and the Ming tombs, and more. Tours range from 1 week to 16 days.4. Won Ton Lust
If your grad does decide to go wandering, you’ll want to pack this book in his suitcase. Join Asian Wall Street Journal reporter John Krich and his fiancé Mei as they travel the world searching for the best Chinese restaurants. An excellent guide for the traveler with a yen for authentic Chinese cuisine. (Note: published in 1997).5. Maple Round Chinese Chopping Block
Got a grad who is moving into an apartment and needs to stock the kitchen? The classic heavy round Chinese wooden chopping block doesn't dull knife blades and is less likely to fly out from underneath than a flimsier plastic model. A nice gift choice, since the price tag would put it out of reach for many recent grads.6. "Eat Drink Man Woman"
This classic 1994 film takes a loving look at the relationship between a Chinese chef and his three daughters. Most of the scenes take place around the dinner table, as the family always makes time in their busy schedules for Sunday dinner. Perfect for the grad who loves Chinese food and is moving away from home for the first time!